British faith heads condemn London attack

Police officers stand outside a block of flats in Greenwich following a raid in connection with the killing of the soldier

---

A broad coalition of faith leaders have condemned the murder of a serving soldier in broad daylight in London yesterday afternoon by two men believed to be Islamist militants, reports The Tablet.

The police have arrested two suspects who are currently in hospital. Two men attacked the soldier in Woolwich and killed him with a machete.

Representatives of nine faith groups, including Jon Dal Din, a deacon in the Archdiocese of Westminster, a spokesman for the East London Mosque and members of Hindu, Jain and Sikh groups last night deplored the attack.

In a statement they said: "All of our religions exalt the sanctity of human life and no grievance could justify such a barbaric assault that has cost a young man his life. Terrorism has no place on our streets. We pray for the victim of this attack and his family, and call for Londoners to stand together at this time."

The Anglican Bishop of Woolwich, Michael Ipgrave, today extended his thoughts and prayers to the victim and his families.